Old Rishworthian RUFC has been a cornerstone of our community for 95 years, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all ages. As the club has grown to include 11 rugby age groups and over 400 members, it has become clear that our current facilities can no longer support the increasing demand. But it’s not just rugby players who benefit from our facilities. We are proud to be a true community hub, hosting netball teams, archery, and more, with all of these groups adding up to a wide and diverse membership base. Despite our efforts, we are at full capacity and can no longer accommodate the growing needs of our members and expanding services.

To ensure the continued success of the club and prepare for the future, we are undertaking a transformative project to modernize our facilities. This redevelopment, known as Project Game Changer, will provide much-needed space, comfort, and functionality to meet the needs of our growing membership. Our plans include new, expanded changing rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, dedicated referee and physio rooms, and much more to create an environment where every member, regardless of sport, can thrive.

With our current changing rooms, limited space is causing discomfort and inefficiencies for both players and volunteers. Over 75 players currently share one shower room during busy mornings, and outdated facilities are limiting our ability to expand, especially for female teams. Our proposed improvements will provide modern, gender-inclusive changing rooms, with individual showers and toilets, creating a more comfortable and hygienic environment for everyone.

Perhaps the biggest challenge of all is our current portacabins. These old, decrepit structures are far from suitable for any player or volunteer. The freezing cold temperatures in winter make them unbearable, with leaks and cracks in the metal exposing the elements, making the experience uncomfortable. The flooring is unstable, adding to the already inadequate facilities. These portacabins have long outlived their usefulness, and it's time for a proper, fully insulated, and secure building to replace them—one that provides a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Additionally, we recognise the importance of inclusivity, and our plans will ensure full accessibility for members with disabilities, creating a space where everyone can participate. A new members’ lounge will provide a social hub for families, volunteers, and supporters, helping to strengthen our sense of community.

Project Game Changer is not just about building new facilities—it's about securing the future of the club, fostering talent, and creating a legacy for future generations. The total cost of this transformative project is £400,000, with £109,000 already raised. We are now looking to raise the remaining £291,000 by September 2026, and every contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our goal.

We are excited to move into Phase Two of this project and invite you to be part of it. By supporting this initiative, you are not only helping to improve the facilities for our current players but also ensuring that Old Rishworthian RUFC continues to thrive for the next 95 years and beyond, serving as a sports community hub for all. Together, we can make this vision a reality.